Mumbai FC out to reverse fortunes against Mohun Bagan

The hosts have suffered six defeats on the trot...

Mumbai FC take on Mohun Bagan in the I-League on Wednesday seeking a change in fortunes.

The Mumbaikars had a fine start to the season winning their first two games but their performances have gone downhill since. The Mumbai-based team underwent a managerial change before the start of the campaign, appointing Santosh Kashyap as the Head Coach replacing Khalid Jamil who went on to be appointed as the Head Coach of Aizawl FC. Since then, the Yellow Submarines have been on a crash course to failure, losing six out of their eight league games play until now.

Mohun Bagan, on the other hand, have been enjoying a rather decent run in the league this year, winning five of their seven league matches played. The Mariners were beatem by Bengaluru FC in the previous year to the I-League trophy and are being regarded as one of the title favorites this season as well. Mohun Bagan currently occupy the second place in the standings with 17 points, following arch-rivals East Bengal who are top. The Green and Maroons, however, have played one game less than the table toppers and will be aiming to reclaim the top spot for themselves with a win in their next match against Mumbai FC on Wednesday.

Team News

Key midfielder Thoi Singh, who has just returned from a leg injury will be doubtful to start against the Kolkata giants and might be replaced by Afghanistan international Djelaludin Sharityar in the starting lineup. Captain Steven Dias will also miss out. The Mumbaikars also lack any suspensions in their next match against the Mariners which boosts their chances of an effective tactical strategy on Wednesday.

Though Mohun Bagan were considered as one of the few physically fit teams at the beginning of the current season, the Mariners have fallen prey to injuries as the season has progressed. The Kolkata giants will be missing key squad members such as Kean Lewis and Kingshuk Debnath to injuries against Mumbai FC. However, the Mariners have picked up no suspensions for the clash against Mumbai FC which comes as a delightful news for Head Coach Sanjoy Sen in the upcoming I-League match.

Head to Head

The Mumbaikars have faced Mohun Bagan 18 times across all competitions until today. In these 18 meetings, Mumbai FC have claimed the victory three times over the Mariners whereas Mohun Bagan have won a whopping nine times defeating the Mumbai-based team. Rest of the six matches ended as a draw between the two teams.

Coach's Corner

Santosh Kashyap-Mumbai FC: We are in a very bad phase. It happens when we have limitations in budget and players, and we want to achieve something extraordinary,” said Santosh Kashyap, Mumbai coach on the side’s aim this season.

Kashyap maintained, “Away games are tough and I believe in playing attacking football, and in that, we lost the matches.” He added, “At home, we have an advantage and we will try to take the full advantage — try to win all three matches.”

“We will try to finish in the top-3 and that has not changed,” Kashyap expressed. “We have ten matches remaining from now on till the end of the season, and we will definitely try to achieve our target.”

Sanjoy Sen-Mohun Bagan: The match versus Mumbai will not be an easy one, it will be tough, but we will try to win it,” said Bagan manager Sanjoy Sen.

“We don’t believe what has happened in the past. It is a new season, and with some new additions, we are looking for a win,” Sen added.

Man to Watch

Karan Sawhney-Mumbai FC: Despite constant poor performances by Mumbai FC in this year’s I-League, Karan Sawhney has emerged as a threat not to be taken lightly whenever he has played. Sawhney, who is being regarded as one of the finest Indian forwards currently, has been a threat to be reckoned with for any defensive units. Fast movements on the ball, Sawhney also offers tricky movements in the opposition final third and is quick to respond to long balls intended for him. Dribbling is another signature mark of the 24-year old forward and is expected to play a key role for Mumbai.

Darryl Duffy-Mohun Bagan: One of the most sought after strikers in India in the recently concluded transfer window, Duffy has been a revelation for Mohun Bagan. The Scottish marksman has scored six goals in the league so far and sits in the second place on the top scorers’ list, only bettered by Shillong Lajong’s Aser Dipanda to the top spot. The former Salgaocar striker is widely known for his dangerous solo runs both on and off the ball and aerial skills in front of the goal. Duffy also excels while dribbling past opposition defenders and is a threat to be accounted for his pinpoint shots on the target.

Probable Lineups

Mumbai FC (4-3-3): Kattimani (GK), Asheer, Pratik, Chandra, Raegan Singh, Densill, Hanghal, Sharityar, Steven, Karan, Hitesh.

Mohun Bagan (4-4-2): Debjit (GK), Kotal, Eduardo, Anas, Shubhasish, Norde, Pronay, Sehnaj, Katsumi, Balwant, Duffy.

Broadcast

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The game will be broadcasted live on Ten 2 from 07:00 pm IST.